Pages

Monday, 2 September 2013

Filming with East Coast Pictures

This is a very exciting time for local media, particularly those in the television industry. In 2012, Ofcom awarded a small selection of television centres across the UK licences to operate digital television services, and Grimsby was named one of the first.

This means that, in November 2013, the existing Virgin Media channel Seven, which is the UK's longest running local television stations, will become Estuary TV - a channel to be broadcast from the North Bank of the River Humber right down to the south of Lincolnshire on Freeview channel eight.

One of the major players in Grimsby's successful bid was East Coast Pictures, a television and video production company that produces videos for businesses as well as television programmming. A lot of my work experience was done with ECP - I worked on a fashion programme and a news-based debate show from 2008 to 2010), and on Thursday, I went back to see what they are filming now.

ECP are currently working on a children's television show all about recycling. The series is based around four characters - Tilly, Lola, Buddy and Joe - who showcase how to upcycle reusable items from around the home. This is the second series; the first was aimed at four- to six- year olds, and it went down so well that a series for older chilren was commissioned; you can see clips from the first series on ECP's Youtube page.

The episodes were filmed in front of a green screen, so you can expect some fun animations along with songs to sing-along to and little activities to do at home with the children. And what I also love about ECP is that any volunteers and people on work experience, whether they are set designers, costume designers, technical team, scriptwriters or cast, are able to work with a core team of professional freelancers, proving the talent and dedication of people in the North Lincolnshire and wider area, and the fact that Grimsby has what it takes to host this new generation local television licence.

If you would like to know about East Coast Pictures, their services and work experience opprtunities (which I massively recommend!), visit their website. To view all of their videos, visit ECP's Youtube page.